By: Joshua Finley
Building confidence through personal style isn’t just a matter of buying new clothes – it requires a strategic approach backed by self-acceptance. Kerry Brownell, a personal stylist with extensive experience in beauty therapy and customer service, has developed three key strategies that help her clients transform their self-image. Through her private studio work, she’s seen how combining color knowledge, smart wardrobe investments, and strategic accessorizing can create lasting confidence.
Her practical approach moves beyond fashion trends to focus on helping people feel their best today, not someday.
Strategy 1: Color is a Foundation for Confidence
The most fundamental element of personal styling isn’t expensive clothes or trendy designs—it’s about understanding which colors work best for you. “Finding out what colors suit your complexion is significant because when we wear colors that don’t suit us, it washes the color out of our face,” Kerry explains.
This focus on color has practical benefits beyond aesthetics. When wearing the wrong colors, “you might think you look tired, or you look flat, or you just look washed out,” Kerry notes. She emphasizes that color analysis is more crucial than clothing style: “Getting your colors right is more important than the actual style of clothing because you can have something that’s completely shapeless and does nothing for you, but if it’s the right color, it’s going to make your eyes pop and make you look great.”
Strategy 2: Smart Wardrobe Investment
Kerry takes a mathematical approach to wardrobe building, introducing the concept of cost-per-wear. She illustrates this with a practical example: “You might find this expensive coat that looks absolutely amazing… But if you spend more of your time in a warmer climate, you don’t get to wear this expensive coat anywhere near as much.” The key is to consider how often you’ll use each piece.
This strategy extends to basics like undergarments. “Women are not really good at buying bras and changing their bras,” Kerry points out. She’s seen clients still wearing maternity bras years after having their last child, emphasizing how proper foundational garments can dramatically improve overall appearance and confidence.
Strategy 3: Accessorizing for Impact
Kerry advocates for strategic accessorizing to maximize wardrobe versatility. “I’m really big on not needing to buy black shoes anymore, purchase white sneakers and nude colored shoes instead, because they go with absolutely everything,” she advises. She views accessories as tools for creating optical illusions, noting that “jewelry is a great way to create an optical illusion with necklaces and other accessories like scarves.”
This approach allows people to create multiple looks without constantly buying new clothes. “You can completely change the look of your outfits through your accessories, your shoes, and your bags,” she explains, making it possible to look like you’re wearing different outfits even when using the same base pieces.
Breaking the Waiting Cycle
One of the most common and concerning patterns Kerry observes is people putting their lives on hold until they achieve specific goals. “Many individuals delay living fully, waiting until they lose a few pounds. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen in most cases,” she explains. Kerry’s perspective is clear: “I’m all about living for today. Life is too short to wait. Why should we hold off on embracing our style? Why not dress for the body shape, height, and lifestyle we have right now?”
The benefits of personal styling go far beyond outward appearances. “When we feel more confident, it positively impacts how we perceive ourselves and interact with others,” Kerry says. “For instance, in the workplace, that boost in confidence can transform how you contribute in meetings or connect with your team members.” This renewed confidence creates a ripple effect as others naturally respond to your elevated presence.
To learn more about Kerry Brownell and her approach, check out her LinkedIn profile.
Published by Jeremy S.
